Wild Cymru’s Nature Investigations Unit was set up to uncover issues that are damaging nature and the environment in Wales. Our first report; “Protecting Wildlife from Wildfires and Illegal Grassland Burns’ has revealed evidence to suggest that illegal grassland burning is taking place, and that there is a huge data gap in the reporting of such events. Wales is the UK’s ‘Wildfire Capital’ and the damage to wildlife is unfathomable. Things must change.
The report, Wild Cymru – Protecting Wildlife from Wildfires and Illegal Grassland Burns, was updated 20th July 2026, to include a statement from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.Â
You can read our full report below.
In the light of climate change I find this devastating. Not only should illegal burning be severely penalised but more fire breaks and native tree planting be implemented with particular care to protect areas of peat.
Is it possible to fix thermal/fire detecting cameras at targetted sites.
Eg pylon, telegraph poles at sensitive times of the year, to trigger a call out response.